MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 17th, 2008 Tigers 4 Yankees 6



The Yankees hit the ground running tonight as they hosted the Detroit Tigers. Detroit comes into this 3 game series with the best record in the Major's. (61-27).

The Yankees, feeling a little bit disrespected after they had no position players selected for the All-Star Game, came out on fire. The biggest snub, Johnny Damon, came out like a man on a mission.

With a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning and 2 runners on base, Damon took a Slider that Kenny Rogers left over the plate and deposited into the RF stands for a 3-Run HR. The Yankees never looked back.

Darrell Rasner (7-1, 2.30 ERA) pitched 5.2 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 ER's, 1 BB, and 5 K's. Mariano Rivera gave up a solo HR to Curtis Granderson in the top of the 9th, but nailed down his 25th Save of the year.

I still didn't draw a walk and the CPU's strike percentage was still over 70%, but I am hoping it will even out over the rest of the season. The Tigers are a good hitting team, they lead the Majors with a .289 batting average, but I did record 12 K's last game so they are definitely beatable.

I gave up 3 HR's this game. 2 by Granderson and 1 by Magglio Ordnez. They went back to back in the 6th inning and that is what chased Rasner from the game. Granderson's 2nd homer off of Rivera was a waste pitch, high and outside, but when I checked the replay it was right down the middle even though I hit my spot on the meter. Dropping my CPU control rating from 6 down to 1 is definitely making it harder to hit my spots when pitching.

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 18th, 2008 Tigers 5 Yankees 3

The Yankees, fresh off their victory last night, found out why the Tigers have the best record in Baseball.

The Yankees sent out their ace Phil Hughes, and he pitched well (7.0 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB's, 6 K's) but the Yankee offense couldn't get anything going. To make it worse, the Tigers used this game as a "bullpen game," by starting reliever Jason Grilli. He went 3.1 innings without allowing a run. Zach Miner went 2.2 innings without giving up a run either.

The game was 2-1 Tigers into the 8th inning when Miguel Cabrera hit a 3-R HR against LaTroy Hawkins on a pitch he was trying to throw out of the strike zone.

Robinson Cano hit a 2-R HR in the 9th inning but it was too little too late.

Johnny Damon went 4-4 and is now 6-8 in the 2 games so far.

Game 3 will feature Justin Verlander vs Ian Kennedy

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 19th, 2008 Tigers 4 Yankees 2

The Yankees went into Sunday's game at the Stadium looking to win their 3 game set against the Tigers. However, they couldn't muster enough offense to beat Justin Verlander. He stymied the Yankees bats for 6 innings, striking out 10 and aloowing only 4 hits, 2 of which were solo HR's by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Verlander avenged a earlier loss to the Yankees way back on April 28 in Detroit.

Ian Kennedy never got in a groove and was hit early and often, giving up 4 runs, (3 ER) in the first 4 innings of the game. Kennedy falls to 10-4 on the season.

The Yankees welcome the Baltimore Orioles to the Stadium for a 3 game series starting Monday night.

Game 1 probably starters are Daniel Cabrera (2-6, 6.53) vs Mike Mussina (2-7, 5.47)

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 20th, 2008 Orioles 4 Yankees 5

After losing 2 straight to the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees got just what they needed by welcoming the last place Baltimore Orioles to the Stadium.

Andy Pettitte (10-7, 4.17) worked into the 7th inning, allowing 7 hits, 3 ER's, 1 BB, and 2 K's. Mariano Rivera picked up his 26th save of the season.

The Yankees were led by Robinson Cano, who's solo HR(11), off Jamie Walker in the 6th inning was the deciding blow. Melky Cabrera also added a solo HR, his 8th of the season.

Manager Joe Girardi also announced that rookie Luke Stout will replace Mike Mussina in the rotation for the time being. Stout pitched well in his debut against the Twins back on July 8th, (6.0, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K's). Mussina will pitch out of the bullpen instead of heading back to Triple AAA.

Game 2 probables are Scott Olson (3-8, 6.75) vs Luke Stout (0-0, 3.00)

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 21st, 2008 Orioles 5 Yankees 3

The Yankees came up short tonight against the Orioles and showed their biggest weakness so far this season: hitting in the clutch. Garrett Olson (4-8, 6.55) beat the Yankees for the second time this year and Aubrey Huff continues to crush Yankee pitching. Huff went 2-4, with 2 HR's and 3 RBI's.

Through 11 games, Huff is hitting .383, with 6 HR and 11 RBI's against the Yankees.

Joe Girardi changed his mind and gave Mike Mussina another start, hoping his veteran presence against the last place Orioles would boost his confidence but that didn't exactly pan out. Mussina pitched 5 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 ER.

The Yankees also made a move in the bullpen, sending down David Robertson (1-1, 5.64) and bringing up Edwar Ramirez.

Game 3 of the series will be Brian Burres vs Darrell Rasner.

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 22nd, 2008 Orioles 3 Yankees 4

The Yankees finished up their 3 game series with the Orioles in dramatic fashion.

Darrell Rasner (6.0, 8 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's) left the game with the lead 3-2 but the bullpen did not come through as Jose Veras gave up a run and the game stayed tied at 3 until the bottom of the 9th.

Matt Albers came in to pitch the 9th for the Orioles. He retired Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera. Girardi then decided to send in Jorge Posada in to pinch-hit for Jose Molina.

Posada took a 1-0 fastball into the RF stands for a walk-off game-wining HR.

The Yankees welcome the Oakland A's to town for a 3 game weekend series starting on Friday night.

Game 1 will be Justin Duchscherer vs Phil Hughes.

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 24th, 2008 A's 2 Yankees 3

The Yankees kicked off their 3 game set with the Athletics with a 3-2 victory. The Yankees avenged a loss to Justin Duchscherer from way back on April 22nd, when he beat the Yankees 9-3.

The Yankees struck quickly in the 1st inning, as Bobby Abreu crushed a 2-R HR into the RF stands. Alex Rodriguez followed with a solo HR into the RF stands as well.

That was all the offense needed, as Phil Hughes (7.0, 6 H, 2 ER, 6 K's) pitched great and picked up his MLB leading 14th win of the season. Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th for his 27th save of the season.

The Yankees are now 2 games ahead of the White Sox for the A.L. Wildcard lead. The Tampa Bay Rays just had their 11 game winning streak snapped by the Blue Jays. They are in the Wildcard hunt as well and are 2 games back of the Yankees. It should be a great race the rest of the season.

Game 2 will be Rich Harden (6-7, 3.73) vs Ian Kennedy (10-4, 2.89).

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

A little background before we get to the game.

Rich Harden was pitching for the Athletics today. Heading into today's game, here were his numbers on the season:

118.1 IP, 97 Hits, 60 BB's, 127 K's, 8 HR allowed. His record was 6-7 with a 3.73 ERA.

Harden's H/9 rating is 98
Harden's K/9 rating is 99
Harden's BB/9 rating is 42

July 25, 2008 Athletics 1 Yankees 4

Today's game between the Yankees and the A's was pretty unique to say the least.

Oakland opened up the scoring in the 4th inning when Adam LaRoche doubled and Jack Cust singled him home to take a 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, Rich Harden was mowing the Yankees down and had a perfect game through 4 1/3. Harden is basically a Fastball/Change up pitcher and when he is on, he is almost impossible to hit. Then disaster struck.

After getting the first out in the 5th, Harden's control disappeared. (Perhaps because of his 42 BB/9 Rating). Harden walked Jason Giambi, Jorge Posada, and Wilson Betemit to load the bases. Up stepped Robinson Cano to the plate.

With the count 2-2, Cano finally timed Harden's change up and hit one into the 2nd row of the right field stands for his 1st Grand Slam of the season.

Harden finished the inning and was taken out. But talk about staying true to his ratings.

The Yankees also caught a MAJOR break. In the 4th inning, Ian Kennedy felt some discomfort in his throwing arm. He was taken out of the game but fortunately for the Yankees there was no structural damage and he should be ok for his next start.

Luke Stout came into the game in relief and was lights out. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only 3 hits. He was the player of the game.

The Yankees will go for the sweep on Sunday, sending Mike Mussina (2-8, 5.56) against Joe Blanton (5-9, 3.52).

The next 2 weeks could decide the season for the Yankees. After Sunday game, the Yankees will hit the road for 3 games in Tampa, 4 games in Chicago against the White Sox, then 2 games in Toronto before heading home for a 4 game series against the 1st place Boston Red Sox.

The Yankees hold a 2 1/2 game lead in the A.L. Wildcard over Tampa and Chicago so they have little room for error and must have a good road trip. By pitching Mussina on Sunday, the Yankees will have their 3 best pitchers, Pettite, Rasner, and Hughes ready to face Tampa.

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

Sunday, July 26th, 2008 A's 3 Yankees 4

The Yankees completed their 3 game sweep of the Athletics this afternoon with a come from behind victory.

The A's took a 2-0 lead thanks to Kurt Suzuki's 2-R HR off of Mike Mussina in the 2nd inning. The Yankees got a run back in the 3rd thanks to a throwing error by Bobby Crosby. The Yankees tied the game at 2 in the 5th thanks to a solo HR by Alex Rodriguez, his 17th of the season.

The A's took back the lead on a solo HR by Jack Cust, his A.L. leading 28th HR of the season. However, the Yankees would strike back in the bottom of the 7th inning off reliever Brad Kilby.

Johnny Damon opened the 7th with a single. After Derek Jeter struck out, Bobby Abreu drew a walk. A-Rod then singled up the middle to score Damon and Abreu went to 3rd. Jorge Posada followed with a Sac Fly to score the winning run.

Mariano Rivera picked up his 28th save of the year. A-Rod and Robinson Cano each had 3 hits to lead the Yankees.

The Yankees will now head to Tampa, Florida to start a very important 3 game set with the Rays.

Game 1 will be Andy Pettitte (10-7, 4.18) vs James Shields (9-10, 3.33)

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 27th, 2008 Yankees 2 Rays 4

The Yankees did not start off their very important 3 game series against the Rays tonight on the right foot. Costly mistakes and no clutch hitting led to tonight's loss.

The Yankees got off to a good start when Jorge Posada hit a solo HR in the 2nd inning to put the Yankees up 1-0. However, in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Melky Cabrera misplayed a fly ball off the bat of Jason Bartlett that cost the Yankees 2 runs.

Jason Giambi's RBI single in the 4th inning tied the game at 2-2. That didn't last long as Carl Crawford hit a solo HR in the bottom of the 5th to give the lead back to the Rays 3-2.

The Yankees got their change in the top of the 8th inning. Starter James Shields (7.0, 5 H, 2 ER, 8 K's) was pulled and reliever Trever Miller came into pitch. With 1 out, Miller walked Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter. A wild pitch moved them to 3rd base, so the Rays elected to intentionally walk Bobby Abreu and bring in lefty J.P. Howell. This brought Alex Rodriguez to the plate, who is currently hitting over .400 against lefty pitching this year.

However, it wasn't meant to be. A-Rod worked the count to 2-2 but got fooled badly on a change up that he tried to check his swing on but couldn't. Jason Giambi followed with a pop out to end the inning. The Yankees went down 1-2-3 in the 9th inning as Howell picked up his 1st save of the year.

The Rays added an insurance run in the 8th inning on a Carl Crawford triple and Evan Longoria Sac fly. Crawford was 3-4 with a triple and HR.

Andy Pettitte (8.0, 8 H, 4 ER, 7 K's) took another tough loss.

The Yankees will look to rebound tonight when Darrell Rasner (7-1, 2.34) goes up against Matt Garza (8-4, 3.39).

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 28th, 2008 Yankees 8 Rays 1

The Yankees bounced back nicely tonight, getting the better of Matt Garza and the Rays.

Darrell Rasner (7.0, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 K's) pitched great and improved his record to 8-1, 4-0 in the month of July. But the big story was Jason Giambi.

Giambi entered the game struggling at the plate. Through 22 games so far in July, Giambi is hitting about .230 with 2 HR's and 6 RBI's.

In the top of the 3rd inning, Giambi came up with the bases loaded and no score. He tagged a Garza Slider and crushed a Grand Slam to RF to put the Yankees up 4-0. Manager Joe Girardi is hoping this is the wake-up call for Giambi and he will get hot down the stretch.



Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon eached chipped in 2 hits. Edwar Ramirez pitched 2 scoreless innings and has looked good since he was called back up to the Majors on July 21st.

Game 3 of the series will be Phil Hughes vs Scott Kazmir.

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 29th, 2008 Yankees 9 Rays 5

It was Deja vu all over for the Yankees tonight against the Rays.

In the top of the first inning, the Yankees had Scott Kazmir on the ropes. With 1 out, Jeter singled, Abreu walked, and A-Rod singled to load the bases. Kazmir hit Wilson Betemit to push across a run, and then Jason Giambi strolled to the plate.

With the count full, Kazmir hung a Slider and Giambi hit a Grand Slam to RF. 2 Games. 2 Grand Slams. Wow... Giambi now has 21 HR's on the season and leads the Yankees with 72 RBI's.



Alex Rodriguez, after a day off, went 3-5 and hit his 18th HR of the season.

Phil Hughes (6.0, 8 H, 4 ER, 3 K's) did not pitch great, but he had enough to win his MLB leading 15th game of the season.

The Yankees now head to Chicago for a 4 game series with the White Sox. The Sox enter the series on a 6 game winning streak and are 1 game back of the Yankees for the A.L. Wildcard lead.

Game 1 will be Ian Kennedy (10-4, 2.88) vs Gavin Floyd (10-5, 3.96)

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 30th, 2008 Yankees 1 White Sox 3

The Yankees started their most important series of the season in dramatic fashion: they stunk up the place.

The offense never got going and they managed 1 hit all night: a single by Robinson Cano. Gavin Floyd (11-5, 3.82) did walk 3 batters and hit 2 others but the Yankees could not turn them into any runs.

Ian Kennedy (6.1, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 K's) pitched well, but lost his 3rd straight start.

Game 2 will be Mike Mussina (3-8, 5.44) vs Jose Contreras (7-7, 4.22)

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

July 31st, 2008 Yankees 5 White Sox 2

The Yankees bounced back in game 2 of the series behind some surprising pitching by Mike Mussina. Mussina, who has struggled all year, was very effective in his start tonight (6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's.) Mussina has now won 2 straight starts and was 3-1 in the month of July.

Johnny Damon was the hero tonight. With the score tied at 2-2 in the 5th inning, Damon took reliever D.J. Carrasco deep for a 3-Run HR. Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th inning for his 29th Save of the season.

Stats and Standings for the end of July to follow.

[MBMavs20]

Re: MLB 09 The Show: Girardi takes over for Torre

MLB Standings - Updated: Aug 1, 2008
AL EAST	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Boston Red Sox	64	38	-	587	429
New York Yankees	62	43	3.5	478	424
Tampa Bay Rays	56	48	9.0	484	430
Toronto Blue Jays	52	52	13.0	477	449
Baltimore Orioles	42	60	22.0	430	556
AL CENTRAL	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Detroit Tigers	69	32	-	609	423
Chicago White Sox	61	44	10.0	491	420
Cleveland Indians	53	50	17.0	487	461
Minnesota Twins	36	67	34.0	381	495
Kansas City Royals	34	68	35.5	338	529
AL WEST	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Los Angeles Angels	61	42	-	467	396
Seattle Mariners	48	55	13.0	422	477
Oakland Athletics	48	55	13.0	405	403
Texas Rangers	41	61	19.5	461	546
AL WILD CARD RACE	W	L	GB	RS	RA
New York Yankees	62	43	-	478	424
Chicago White Sox	61	44	1.0	491	420
Tampa Bay Rays	56	48	5.5	484	430
Cleveland Indians	53	50	8.0	487	461
Toronto Blue Jays	52	5	9.5	477	449
Seattle Mariners	48	55	13.0	422	477
Oakland Athletics	48	55	13.0	405	403
Baltimore Orioles	42	60	18.5	430	556
Texas Rangers	41	61	19.5	461	546
Minnesota Twins	36	67	25.0	381	495
Kansas City Royals	34	68	26.5	338	529
NL EAST	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Philadelphia Phillies	58	44	-	551	506
Atlanta Braves	50	54	9.0	446	431
New York Mets	49	54	9.5	471	407
Florida Marlins	44	59	14.5	432	513
Washington Nationals	41	62	17.5	392	485
NL CENTRAL	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Houston Astros	65	38	-	499	404
Milwaukee Brewers	58	45	7.0	483	456
St. Louis Cardinals	59	47	7.5	458	393
Chicago Cubs	56	46	8.5	407	397
Cincinnati Reds	50	53	15.0	429	445
NL WEST	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Arizona Diamondbacks	61	43	-	455	412
San Diego Padres	55	49	6.0	432	413
Los Angeles Dodgers	51	52	9.5	440	417
Colorado Rockies	39	64	21.5	411	501
San Francisco Giants	36	67	24.5	325	470
NL WILD CARD RACE	W	L	GB	RS	RA
Milwaukee Brewers	58	45	-	483	456
St. Louis Cardinals	59	47	1.5	458	393
Chicago Cubs	56	46	1.5	407	397
San Diego Padres	55	49	3.5	432	413
Los Angeles Dodgers	51	52	7.0	440	417
Cincinnati Reds	50	53	8.0	429	445
Atlanta Braves	50	54	8.5	446	431
New York Mets	49	54	9.0	471	407
Pittsburgh Pirates	48	55	10.0	443	503
Florida Marlins	44	59	14.0	432	513
Washington Nationals	41	62	17.0	392	485
Colorado Rockies	39	64	19.0	411	501